Freedmen's Bureau Records: Roswell Waldo to Orlando
Brown, December 31, 1868
Summary:
In Waldo's last report on Augusta and Highland counties, he relates the
increasing problems between whites and blacks once the Bureau's impending
closure was made public. He writes that those who have always opposed the Bureau
are beginning to show "their true colors." His report also mentions the high
levels of poverty during the winter season.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District, Virginia.
Genl
O Brown
Assistant Commissioner
Richmond
Va
December 31, 1868
Staunton, Va.,
General:
In compliance with Circular No 6, dated Head Quarters Asst Commmissioner Richmond Va Jan'y 29. 1866, I have the honor to submit the following report of Bureau Affairs in 4th Division (Comprising Highland and Augusta Counties) 9th Sub Dist Va
When it became generally known that the Bureau would close its operations on 1st January, many of those who have always exhibited or [unclear: courted] a vindictive spirit toward the same began showing their true colors, and much of the spirit of four years ago is again manifesting itself. It is true these words apply more particularly to the uneducated, yet there are those whose inteligence and wisdom in connection with [added: their] experience should have made them good Citizens, that vie with each other in the exhibition of their animosity.
Much difficulty has been experienced
[page 2]
in the collection of claims for
the freedmen this month on account of the demonstration of this feeling, and on
several occasions, it was only with great effort that [added: I] succeeded in maintaining the respect of the office,
and impressed upon their unwilling minds that the Bureau closes no sooner than
Jany 1st 1869. ---- The
freedmen seem to dread the future already and many complain of their fear and
anxiety, not on account of any bodily injury, but for the proneness on the part
of their former employers to delay or [added: their]
refusal to settle their accounts.
I find large numbers, both in town and country who are suffering for want of clothing and but for the timely arrival of relief through this office, much misery would have been experienced before the dawning of Spring. All Clothing sent to this office for distribution has been issued yet many were not served who were really in need of it.
The School at Staunton is in a prosperous condition & is daily increasing in numbers. Thoese in the Country continue backward on account of the scarcity of good material for teachers.
Concerning Intemperance, there seems to be no observable change among the freedmen. Opinions expressed in previous reports on this subject can remain unmodified.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Roswell Waldo
A.S.A. Comr.
